Gyms have pushed up and past the competition when it comes to filling up American street corners.
Service-oriented businesses have now surpassed goods-based retailers in leasing activity for the first time on record. The shift is fueled largely by the spread of fitness centers, medical spas and specialty salons. According to data from CoStar seen by The Wall Street Journal, service-based tenants leased more than 50 percent of total retail square footage in 2025 — a significant jump from the 40 percent share they held just 15 years ago.
